Police brace for conflict as Occupy deadline nears

The Occupy Portland encampment is shown Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, in, Portland, Ore. Mayor Sam Adams has ordered one of the largest Occupy Wall Street camps in the country to pull up stakes. The protesters and homeless people at Occupy Oregon are trying to figure out what's next as they face a Saturday deadline for leaving two downtown park blocks they've occupied since Oct. 6.

Rick Bowmer, Associated Press

Summary

Police say they believe some people inside the Occupy Portland encampments are preparing for a confrontation when officers attempt to clear the parks.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Police say they believe some people inside the Occupy Portland encampments are preparing for a confrontation when officers attempt to clear the parks.

Occupy Portland organizers say the movement is nonviolent and have appealed to people in the camp to resist peacefully when the midnight Saturday deadline arrives.

But authorities said Friday that a call for reinforcements has gone out to other cities, and as many as 150 anarchists may come to Portland. Police also say some elements may be building shields and looking for gas masks.